QOOT Cluster proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Agrifood Innovation Award during a distinguished ceremony held at the iconic Sursock Museum, under the patronage of the President of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Prime Minister Mr. Nawaf Salam, represented by the Minister of Industry, H.E. Joe Issa El Khoury.
The event was organized in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, the European Union through programs implemented by Berytech Foundation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and with the valued support of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Industry in Lebanon.
This year’s edition was celebrated under the inspiring theme “Lebanon Rises With Innovation.”
The ceremony gathered more than 150 participants, including public authorities, national and international partners, academia, private sector and SME representatives, and members of the QOOT community, all united around a shared vision for Lebanon’s agrifood transformation.
About the Award
Launched in early 2025, the QOOT Agrifood Innovation Award aims to recognize, support, and elevate pioneering agrifood innovations capable of contributing to Lebanon’s economic revitalization and global competitiveness. This year, the award attracted 97 products submitted by 67 companies, showcasing the creativity, and resilience of Lebanon’s agrifood sector despite ongoing national challenges.
AFIA2025 Winners
QOOT Cluster is proud to announce the outstanding winners of this year’s six categories:
- Alcoholic Beverages: Distilleries du Levant – Tiny Moon Cider
- Baked Goods & Snacks: TAQA Snacks – Olive Tapenade Crackers
- Health & Wellbeing: Mediterranean Food Company – Soupreem
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Cortas Canning & Refrigerating Co. – Lavender Water
- Pantry Products: Delta Group – Mjadra Ready Mix
- Refrigerated & Chilled: Oh My Gelato / Caprices du Palais – Debes Kharoub Gelato
Each winner received a comprehensive package of tailored prizes designed to strengthen product development, enhance visibility and facilitate access to local and international markets.
Keynote Addresses & Panel Discussion
The ceremony featured remarks from:
- H.E. Mr. Frank Mollen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon
- H.E. Mrs. Sandra De Waele, Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon
- H.E. Joe Issa El Khoury, Minister of Industry, representing the Prime Minister
Notable Quotes
“This year’s theme, Lebanon Rises with Innovation, reflects a national direction we are committed to strengthening.” — H.E. Joe Issa El Khoury
“Thanks to Lebanon’s weather, fertile land, and pioneering companies, agrifood must remain a key export and source of foreign currency.” — H.E. Sandra De Waele
“This award celebrates Lebanese producers who turn ideas into real solutions—and who continue to believe in Lebanon’s potential.” — H.E. Frank Mollen
“Innovation is not an option—it is a path forward.” — Mr. Nabil Schumann, President of QOOT Cluster
A major highlight of the evening was the panel discussion entitled “Lebanon Rises with Innovation: Policies, Partnerships, and the Path Ahead” featuring:
- H.E. Joe Issa El Khoury, Minister of Industry
- H.E. Dr. Amer Bissat, Minister of Economy and Trade
- H.E. Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture
- Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon
The panel explored national innovation priorities, the role of public-private partnerships, and the future of Lebanon’s agrifood competitiveness.
The discussion underscored the critical importance of innovation-driven policies, stronger linkages between industry and academia, improved access to markets, and greater alignment with international sustainability standards.
This exchange reflected a shared commitment from national authorities and international partners to support Lebanon’s agrifood transition and strengthen its positioning in regional and global value chains.
AFIA2025 Jury Members
The winners were selected by an esteemed jury of experts representing academia, research, and international organizations:
Dr. Mohamad Abiad – Professor & Director of the LEAF Labs
Mrs. Sally El Armaly Yacoub – Head of Food & Beverage, Fattal Group
Chef Maroun Chedid – Award-winning chef & entrepreneur
Mr. Alessandro Vittadini – Head of Lebanon, EBRD
Mr. Antonio Khabbaz – Agri-Food Engineer & University Instructor (AUB/USEK/Sagesse)
Mr. Hassan Ezzeldine – Chairman, Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon
Dr
Hussein Hassan – Professor & Expert in Food Safety & Sustainability – LAU
Mr. Jad Zgheib – SME Finance & Development, EBRD
Dr. Joseph Matta – Professor & Applied Research Director, Industrial Research Institute
Dr. Madonna Salameh – Director, Strategic Corporate Relations – USEK
Mr
Najib Moussallem – Head of FMCG, GMRL
Dr. Nancy Saliba – Director, Asher Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship – USEK
Dr. Wadih Skaff – Academic leader in analytical chemistry & agrifood quality
QOOT Cluster: Advancing Agrifood Innovation for Lebanon
Through the Agrifood Innovation Award, QOOT Cluster continues to position Lebanon as a regional hub for agrifood innovation, strengthening linkages across industry, academia, entrepreneurs, and global partners.
By empowering innovators with the tools, knowledge, and visibility needed to succeed, QOOT is helping drive competitiveness, sustainability, and market expansion, elevating Lebanon’s agrifood ecosystem both locally and internationally.